Port Arthur Water Bill & Service Help
Need to pay a City of Port Arthur water bill, call Utility Billing, start residential service, ask why your bill was estimated, request a senior discount, report a water or sewer repair, or check the latest rate tiers? Use the quick task cards first.
This guide is for City of Port Arthur, Texas Water Utilities. Utility Billing handles billing and collection for water and solid waste accounts, while Water Utilities Operations handles water and sewer repair issues.
What Do You Need to Do?
Use the official Municipal Online Payments utility portal. Quick Pay only needs your account number.
Open utility portalCall 1-877-817-9859. Have your account number ready before calling.
Payment detailsUse the official residential new service form. Driver’s license and mortgage/lease documents are required.
Start service helpCall 409-983-8550 for water and sewer repair issues.
Repair contactsQuick Answer for Port Arthur Water Customers
Pay online: Use the official Port Arthur Utility Billing portal or start from the City’s Pay A Bill page. Quick Pay needs your utility account number and does not require login.
Billing office: Utility Billing is at 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Phone: 409-983-8230. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640. The City lists office hours as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone payment: The City lists utility phone payment at 1-877-817-9859. The phone-payment notice says to have your account number ready and that payments for accounts not in the system will not be accepted.
Water/sewer repair: For water and sewer repair, call 409-983-8550. Water Utilities Administration separates billing/customer service from repair calls.
18,000+ customers
Customer Services handles billing and collection for more than 18,000 water and solid waste customers.
Quick Pay available
Use Quick Pay with your account number, or register to view account details, multi-account payments and e-Billing.
3% card fee
Beginning January 1, 2025, all card transactions are assessed a 3% convenience fee.
Surface water
Port Arthur’s water comes from the Neches River Basin, Lower Neches Valley Authority Canal System and Port Arthur Reservoir.
How to Pay a City of Port Arthur Water Bill Online
Start from an official City link
Open the City’s Pay A Bill page or the official Municipal Online Payments utility portal. Avoid non-official bill-pay sites.
Use Quick Pay or create an account
Choose Quick Pay if you only need a one-time payment and have your account number. Create an account if you want to view details, manage single or multiple accounts, use multi-bill pay, or receive e-Billing.
Check the card fee before submitting
The payment portal and City payment page state that credit/debit card payments are assessed a 3% service/convenience fee. If you need a no-card-fee route, consider check, money order, cashier’s check, or other official non-card options.
Confirm account number and balance
Match your account number, service address and balance. The City’s phone-payment notice says payments for accounts not in the system will not be accepted.
Save proof and call if past due
Save your confirmation number and payment date. If your account is delinquent, already shut off, or close to disconnection, call Utility Billing at 409-983-8230 after paying.
Port Arthur Utility Bill Payment Options
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quick Pay | Use the official Municipal Online Payments utility portal. | Fast one-time payment without login. | Account number required; card payments have a 3% service fee. |
| Online account login | Register/sign in to manage account details, multi-account payments and e-Billing. | Customers who manage bills monthly or manage multiple properties. | Create an account only on the official Port Arthur portal. |
| Phone payment | Call 1-877-817-9859. | Customers who prefer automated phone payment. | Have account number ready; American Express may not be accepted. |
| In person | Utility Billing / City Hall, 444 4th Street. | Cash, check, credit card, account questions and urgent billing help. | Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Drive-through | City payment notices list drive-through as an alternate payment method. | Faster in-person payment without parking. | Use during posted City Hall/utility office hours. |
| Night drop box | City notices list a night drop box for water utility billing payments. | After-hours check, money order or cashier’s check. | Do not use for urgent shutoff/restoration issues without calling. |
| Utility Billing, P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640. | Routine non-urgent payment. | Use money order, check or cashier’s check; allow mailing time. |
Port Arthur Water Department Phone, Address and Hours
Utility Billing
409-983-8230
Billing, customer service, turn on/off and moving service questions.
Water / sewer repair
409-983-8550
Water and sewer repair issues.
Utility office
444 4th Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, TX 77640.
| Need | Use this contact | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Bill amount, payment, delinquent notice, account status | Utility Billing: 409-983-8230 | Account number, service address, bill date, payment confirmation if already paid. |
| Turn water on/off or move service | Utility Billing: 409-983-8230 | Current address, new address if moving, requested date, ID/account details. |
| Water or sewer repair | Water Utilities repair: 409-983-8550 | Exact location, visible issue, cross street, callback number and urgency. |
| Wastewater treatment / conveyance | Wastewater Treatment: 409-962-7871; related staff listing includes 409-983-8550 | Address, overflow/odor/back-up details and whether it is inside or outside. |
| Water quality report questions | Water Quality Report contact: 409-983-3846 | Question about water source, report data, taste/color/odor and address. |
| Cashier / finance questions | 409-983-8239 or 409-983-8238 | Payment counter issue, cashier-specific problem or finance routing. |
Start Residential Water Service in Port Arthur
Driver’s license required
The official residential new-service form requires a valid driver’s license upload.
Mortgage / deed or lease
The form requires mortgage, deed or lease documentation. The name on the mortgage/deed must match the driver’s license.
Check faucets before turn-on
The City says it is not responsible for damage caused by leaks or open faucets when service is turned on at the meter.
Open the official residential application
Use the City’s New Service Application for Residential Customers. Do not submit identity documents through a non-official website.
Prepare applicant and landlord information
The form asks for applicant details, service address, mailing address, last four digits of Social Security number, driver’s license answer, landlord information, co-applicant details if any, and emergency relative contact.
Upload required documents
Upload a copy of the driver’s license and mortgage/deed or lease agreement as requested by the City form.
Clear old balances first
The application warns that balances owed by the applicant or co-applicant at prior addresses may become payable before service is established at the requested address.
Call if move-in timing is urgent
For same-week or urgent move-in timing, call 409-983-8230 after submitting the application so Utility Billing can confirm status and any missing documentation.
Move, Transfer or Stop Port Arthur Water Service
The City FAQ directs customers with questions about turning water on/off or moving service to a new address to call the Water Billing Department at 409-983-8230.
The residential application warns that all properties connected to the water/sewer system are assumed to be using service. The consumer and property owner are held responsible for charges until a written notice of termination is given to the City Water Department.
| Service task | Best route | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Move to a new Port Arthur address | Call Utility Billing at 409-983-8230. | Ask what is needed to transfer service and whether prior balances must be cleared. |
| Disconnect / stop service | Give written notice to the City Water Department and confirm with Utility Billing. | Do not assume moving out automatically stops billing. |
| Turn service back on after nonpayment | Call Utility Billing after paying delinquent amounts. | Reconnection fee may apply; after-3 p.m. reconnection can cost more. |
| Commercial or multi-family account | Call Utility Billing and ask for current requirements. | Rate and policy rules can differ from single-family residential accounts. |
Late Charges, Delinquent Notices and Reconnection Fees
10% late charge
Charges not paid by the due date become past due and a 10% late charge is added to the past-due amount.
Delinquent notice
Unpaid bills become delinquent 10 days after the due date, and a delinquent notice appears in red on the billing statement.
Reconnection fee
Accounts turned off for non-payment or waste are assessed a $25 reconnection fee, or $35 after 3 p.m.
Estimated Water Bills: Why Port Arthur May Estimate Usage
The City says a customer may receive an estimated bill when the meter is obstructed or covered, flooded, behind a locked gate, blocked by a dog, blocked by overgrown alley conditions, damaged, or when inclement weather prevents a reading.
An estimated bill is based on the customer’s previous usage from the past six months. If you had high usage from a leak, that prior usage may affect the estimate. The bill can be identified by an “E” next to the usage in gallons.
| Why bill may be estimated | What it can cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Meter covered or obstructed | Estimated bill based on prior usage. | Clear meter area and keep access open. |
| Locked gate or dog present | Meter reader may not safely access meter. | Call Utility Billing to ask how to provide safe access. |
| Flooded meter / inclement weather | Temporary estimate may later correct with actual reading. | Compare next bill when actual read is taken. |
| Prior leak created high average | Estimate may be higher because last six months included abnormal use. | Document repair and ask about adjustment rules if applicable. |
Port Arthur Water and Sewer Rates Customers Should Know
The City rate ordinance effective October 1, 2024 includes updated rate tables. Always verify your live bill with Utility Billing, because meter size, customer class, outside-city status, commercial/industrial service, fire lines and special accounts can change the final charge.
Residential Tier 1
Inside-city residential water and sewer Tier 1 is listed at $6.44 per 1,000 gallons for 0–10,000 gallons per month.
Residential Tier 2
Tier 2 is listed at $6.76 per 1,000 gallons for 10,001–50,000 gallons per month.
Residential Tier 3
Tier 3 is listed at $7.10 per 1,000 gallons for usage over 50,000 gallons per month.
Senior discount
Eligible inside-city single-family senior customers may receive a $6.25 per month water bill discount.
| Rate / billing item | Official detail | Why users should care |
|---|---|---|
| Residential inside-city Tier 1 | 0–10,000 gallons per month: $6.44 water and $6.44 sewer per 1,000 gallons. | Most normal residential use may start here, but minimum usage fee and sewer also matter. |
| Residential inside-city Tier 2 | 10,001–50,000 gallons per month: $6.76 water and $6.76 sewer per 1,000 gallons. | Leaks, irrigation or very high usage can move the bill into a higher tier. |
| Residential inside-city Tier 3 | Over 50,000 gallons per month: $7.10 water and $7.10 sewer per 1,000 gallons. | Investigate immediately if a household reaches this tier unexpectedly. |
| Commercial/industrial water | Inside-city commercial/industrial Tier 1 starts at $7.11 per 1,000 gallons, with higher tiers at $7.46 and $7.82. | Businesses should compare account class and meter size before estimating charges. |
| Commercial/industrial sewer | Inside-city commercial/industrial sewer tiers are listed at $7.10, $7.45 and $7.81 per 1,000 gallons. | Commercial bills can be significantly different from residential bills. |
| Card convenience fee | 3% on card transactions beginning January 1, 2025. | Card users should expect total paid to be higher than bill balance. |
Senior Citizen Water Discount in Port Arthur
The City offers a discounted rate program for customers who are 65 years of age or older. The official form says the applicant must reside at the residence where the discount is requested, and the utility account must be in the applicant’s name.
Accepted proof listed by the City includes a Texas driver’s license, Texas Department of Public Safety identification card, or birth certificate. The application is valid for four years only, and the customer must reapply after four years.
High Port Arthur Water Bill? Check Estimates, Leaks and Sewer Adjustment Rules
Look for “E” on bill
An “E” next to usage in gallons means the bill may be estimated.
Check private leaks
Toilets, hose bibs, water heaters, irrigation lines, softeners and underground service lines can create unusually high consumption.
Adjustment window
The application language says billing errors must be called to the Water Department’s attention in writing on prepared forms within six months.
| High-bill clue | Likely reason | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Bill has “E” near usage | Estimated bill because meter could not be read. | Clear meter access, then compare the next actual read. |
| High estimate after a leak month | Estimate uses prior six-month usage, so past leaks can affect average. | Call 409-983-8230 and ask how to document the repair and reading. |
| Actual reading corrects prior estimate | Next actual read may include underbilling or overbilling correction. | Ask for a line-by-line explanation before disputing. |
| Known leak repaired | Adjustment may be possible only under City conditions. | Keep repair receipts, plumber invoice, photos and dates. |
| Sewer charge high after leak | Adjustment language limits adjustments to the difference between sewer charged and average sewer bill. | Ask Utility Billing whether the leak qualifies and which form is required. |
Report Water or Sewer Repair Issues
Water and sewer repair: Call 409-983-8550. The Water Utilities Administration page states this number for water and sewer repair.
Billing vs repair: Use 409-983-8230 for billing/customer service and 409-983-8550 for repair issues. Calling the right number saves time when water is running in the street or sewer is backing up.
| Issue | Call | What to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Water main break or water leak in street | 409-983-8550 | Exact location, nearest address/cross street, visible flow and safety risk. |
| Sewer overflow, backup or strong odor | 409-983-8550 | Inside vs outside issue, address, when it started and whether neighbors are affected. |
| Wastewater treatment / conveyance question | 409-962-7871 or repair routing at 409-983-8550 | Location, system issue and callback number. |
| Billing issue, payment, start/stop | 409-983-8230 | Account number, service address and bill details. |
Port Arthur Water Quality and Water Source
Source water
The Water Quality Report says drinking water is obtained from surface water sources: Neches River Basin, Lower Neches Valley Authority Canal System and Port Arthur Reservoir.
Treatment capacity
The City says the water treatment facility can treat up to 40 million gallons per day and 14.6 billion gallons per year.
Report questions
For Water Quality Report questions, the report lists 409-983-3846.
Practical Port Arthur Water Bill Tips Most Posts Miss
Use the 409 number for billing, not repair
409-983-8230 is for Utility Billing and customer service. 409-983-8550 is for water and sewer repair issues.
Register if you manage multiple accounts
The online portal supports multi-account and multi-bill pay after sign-up. Quick Pay is best only for one-time payment.
Clear the meter area before blaming the estimate
Covered meters, locked gates, dogs, flooding and overgrown alleys can all cause estimated bills.
Card payments cost extra
The City’s current payment information says card transactions are assessed a 3% convenience fee.
Stop service in writing
The City’s application language says customers/property owners remain responsible for charges until written termination notice is given.
Senior discount must be renewed
The senior discount application says it is valid for four years only, and the customer must reapply after four years.
Port Arthur Utility Billing Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for Utility Billing / City Hall at 444 4th Street. Confirm office availability before visiting, especially during temporary relocations, weather events or City notices.
Utility Billing
444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Phone: 409-983-8230.
Mail payment
P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640.
General City Hall
444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Main phone: 409-983-8100.
Official Port Arthur Water and Utility Links
City of Port Arthur TX Water Department Bill Pay FAQs
How do I pay my City of Port Arthur water bill online?
Use the official Port Arthur Utility Billing portal through Municipal Online Payments. Quick Pay only requires your account number, while registration lets you manage account details, multiple accounts, multi-bill pay and e-Billing.
What is the Port Arthur Utility Billing phone number?
Call Utility Billing at 409-983-8230 for billing, customer service, account status, moving service, turning service on or off, and water bill questions.
What is the Port Arthur water bill phone payment number?
The City lists phone payment for utility billing customers at 1-877-817-9859. Have your account number ready before calling.
Where is Port Arthur Utility Billing located?
Utility Billing is located at 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Office hours are listed as Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where do I mail a Port Arthur water bill payment?
Mail utility payments to Utility Billing, P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Use check, money order or cashier’s check and allow mailing time.
Does Port Arthur charge a card fee for water bill payments?
Yes. The City states that beginning January 1, 2025, all card transactions are assessed a 3% convenience fee, whether payment is made at the counter or online.
How do I start residential water service in Port Arthur?
Use the official New Service Application for Residential Customers. The form requires a valid driver’s license and mortgage, deed or lease documentation.
What happens if my Port Arthur water bill is late?
Charges not paid by the due date become past due and a 10% late charge is added. Unpaid bills become delinquent 10 days after the due date, and service can be discontinued on delinquent accounts.
How much is the Port Arthur water reconnection fee?
The residential service application states that a $25 reconnection fee is assessed on accounts turned off for non-payment or waste, or $35 after 3 p.m.
Why did I receive an estimated water bill?
The City says estimated bills can happen when the meter is obstructed, flooded, behind a locked gate, blocked by a dog, blocked by overgrown alley conditions, damaged, or when inclement weather prevents a reading.
Who do I call for water or sewer repair in Port Arthur?
Call 409-983-8550 for water and sewer repair issues. Use 409-983-8230 for billing and customer service questions.
Does Port Arthur offer a senior citizen water discount?
Yes. The City offers a discounted rate program for customers age 65 or older. The applicant must live at the residence and the utility account must be in the applicant’s name. The application is valid for four years.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Port Arthur website?
No. This is an independent guide. Use official City of Port Arthur links for live payment, account status, service applications, rates, water quality reports and current utility rules.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.